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Total Rewards Specialist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Purpose The Global Compensation Specialist is an integral member of the Human Resources team and is responsible for supporting the design, development, implementation and administration of global ...

About the role Coalition is hiring a Principal Total Rewards Specialist to add senior execution capacity across benefits, compensation operations, and key People Operations processes. In this role ...

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Total Rewards Specialist information

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$33K

$73.2K

$113K

How much do total rewards specialist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for total rewards specialist in the United States is $73,191.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $84,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the main challenges a total rewards specialist typically faces in this role?

A common challenge for Total Rewards Specialists is balancing the need to offer competitive compensation and benefits with maintaining budget constraints and organizational equity. They must stay current with industry trends and regulatory requirements, which can frequently change and impact program design. The role also requires effective collaboration with HR partners, finance, and leadership teams to communicate complex total rewards concepts in an understandable way. Successfully navigating these challenges is crucial to ensuring that the organization attracts and retains top talent through well-structured and compliant rewards programs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a total rewards specialist?

To thrive as a Total Rewards Specialist, you need a strong background in compensation and benefits administration, data analysis, and a bachelor’s degree in human resources or a related field. Familiarity with HRIS systems, compensation benchmarking tools, and certifications like CCP (Certified Compensation Professional) or CEBS (Certified Employee Benefits Specialist) are highly valued. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities help you excel when interpreting data and advising stakeholders. Mastery of these skills ensures that organizations offer competitive rewards packages while maintaining compliance and employee satisfaction.

What is a total rewards specialist?

A Total Rewards Specialist is responsible for developing and managing an organization's compensation and benefits programs to attract and retain employees. This role involves analyzing salary structures, benefits packages, incentives, and recognition programs to ensure they align with company goals and industry standards. They also collaborate with HR and leadership to implement competitive compensation strategies while maintaining compliance with labor laws. Additionally, they may conduct market research, manage wellness initiatives, and enhance employee engagement through rewards programs.

More about Total Rewards Specialist jobs

What cities are hiring for Total Rewards Specialist jobs?

Cities with the most Total Rewards Specialist job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Total Rewards Specialist jobs?

The most popular types of Total Rewards Specialist jobs are:

What states have the most Total Rewards Specialist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Total Rewards Specialist jobs include:

Infographic showing various Total Rewards Specialist job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,191 per year, or $35.2 per hour.

Total Rewards Specialist, Benefits

Pet Food Experts,LLC

Pawtucket, RI • On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 16 days ago


Job description

Description

Join the Pack!


Pet Food Experts is the #1 pet specialty distributor in the U.S., proudly serving more than 10,000 pet retailers nationwide. More than a distributor, we're a trusted partner to the independent pet community, helping retailers, brands, and pet parents thrive.


We're looking for a Total Rewards Specialist to help deliver an exceptional employee experience through benefits administration, leave management, compliance support, and Total Rewards initiatives. You'll play a key role in supporting programs that impact our team members every day while helping ensure our benefits and leave processes run smoothly, accurately, and compliantly.


If you enjoy solving problems, improving processes, and helping people navigate important moments in their lives, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing


Benefits Administration

  • Administer day-to-day benefits programs, including medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability, HSA, and 401(k) plans.
  • Partner with brokers, carriers, vendors, and our third-party administrators to ensure accurate and efficient program administration.
  • Manage benefit-related file feeds, claims billing, invoice reconciliation, and audits to ensure data integrity and compliance.
  • Support annual open enrollment activities, vendor implementations, and plan updates.

Leave Administration

  • Partner with our leave administrator to support FMLA, ADA, and other leave programs.
  • Help ensure accurate case management, data integrity, and a positive employee experience throughout the leave process.
  • Serve as a trusted resource for employee and manager questions related to benefits and leave programs.

Analytics & Continuous Improvement

  • Analyze benefits, claims, leave, and vendor data to identify trends and opportunities.
  • Partner with the Director of Total Rewards to develop recommendations that improve programs, processes, and employee experience.
  • Support compensation projects, market data analysis, and other Total Rewards initiatives as business needs evolve.

Compliance & Operational Support

  • Support compliance efforts related to ERISA, ACA, HIPAA, COBRA, Section 125, FMLA, ADA, and other applicable regulations.
  • Assist with required notices, audits, reporting, and testing activities.
  • Provide backup HRIS support and assist with various People Team projects and administrative activities.

What We're Looking For


Required Qualifications

  • 2+ years of benefits administration experience.
  • Working knowledge of employee benefit programs, including health and welfare plans and retirement plans.
  • Experience supporting leave administration, including FMLA and ADA processes.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to manage confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
  • Strong communication and customer service skills.
  • Proficiency with HRIS systems, reporting tools, spreadsheets, and Google Workspace.

Preferred Experience

  • Experience supporting self-funded medical plans.
  • Experience working with third-party administrators, brokers, and benefits vendors.
  • Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field.
  • SHRM, PHR, CEBS, CBP, or other HR/benefits certifications.
  • Broader Total Rewards, compensation, or HR Generalist experience. 

Why Pet Food Experts?


At Pet Food Experts, our values guide everything we do:


Family. Inclusion. Dependability. Curiosity. Humility.


We're committed to creating an environment where employees feel supported, respected, and empowered to grow. As a Total Rewards Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the employee experience while helping shape programs that support team members across the country.


If you're looking for a role where you can build relationships, solve meaningful challenges, and contribute to a growing organization that's helping shape the future of the pet industry, we'd love to meet you.


Benefits & Perks of Being Part of the PFX Pack

  • Competitive Compensation
  • Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Coverage
  • Retirement Savings with Employer Match
  • Flexible Time Off
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Company-Paid Life & Disability Insurance
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  • Pet Perks & Product Discounts
  • Additional Voluntary Benefits

Pet Food Experts is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive, respectful workplace.

All employment offers are contingent upon completion of a background check.